IN MEMORIAM

James S. Ainslie, 93; Farmer,

Rural Carrier For Post Office

RICHFIELD SPRINGS – James S. Ainslie, 93, of Ainslie Road, Town of Otsego, a farmer and longtime rural mail carrier, passed away Wednesday morning, Dec. 9, 2020, while being transported to the hospital.

His family regrets they could not be with him due to COVID-19 restrictions; he will be greatly missed. A kind, giving man, loving husband, grandfather and dedicated father, he would do anything to help family, neighbors and friends.

He was born on July 4, 1927, to Edna and William Ainslee. In addition to her parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife of over 60 years, Effie (Locke), as well as brothers Harold Ainslie and Leo McLean.

Jim worked the family farm most of his life. He also worked with his brother, Harold, and privately as an electrician. He was also a substitute rural mail carrier for his father, William. He retired from the postal service in Richfield Springs, where he was a rural mail carrier for many years.

Jim loved animals. He loved many dogs and cats over the years. He raised peacocks, ornamental pheasants, chickens, red deer, horses, and his Emu Elmer. Many friends and neighbors enjoyed visiting his mini game farm. He loved to attend fairs and chicken shows around the state.

A life-long member of the Grange, he served for decades as Master of the Fly Creek Valley Grange. He also belonged to the New York State Bluebird Society, the American Pheasant and Waterfowl Society, the Otsego Electric League and the Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapters 1070 Cooperstown and 294 Utica. He loved airplanes and flying and attended the annual fly-in in Oshkosh, Wisc. many times with his sons. He was also a member of the Native Sons of Cooperstown and loved to hunt, fish and snowmobile.

Jim attended the Cooperstown Assembly of God, and his long-time friend, Rev. William Kirk, founding pastor of the church, will officiate at his private funeral service.

He leaves his two sons, David of Clinton and James of Richfield Springs; three grandchildren, Shannon Pernat (Bryan) of Elbridge, Aaron (Joy) of Palm Bay, Fla., and Scott (Debbie) of Minneapolis; and seven great-grandchildren, Jackson of Elbridge, Anna, Nora and Seth of Palm Bay, Fla., Hanna of Prague, Czech Republic, and Taylor and Emily of Minneapolis.

Jim’s family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut St., Cooperstown.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions and regulations, all attending must wear a face mask or covering and observe proper physical distancing. Due to current regulations that only permit a certain number of people in the funeral home at one time, please be prepared to wait outside before entering.

The funeral services and entombment will be private.

For those who so desire, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts may be made to the Fly Creek Emergency Squad, PO Box 218, Fly Creek, NY  13337.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow and Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.